Description
A traditional Filipino sticky rice dessert made with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar, topped with rich coconut caramel syrup and crunchy toasted coconut curds (latik).
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk (for crunchy latik)
- 1 cup glutinous rice, rinsed at least three times and drained
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (for syrup latik)
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (for syrup latik)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (for syrup latik)
- banana leaf, lightly brushed with coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crunchy latik by pouring coconut milk into a pan and bringing it to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook while stirring frequently until the coconut milk separates and the solids turn golden brown.
- Strain the toasted coconut solids and set them aside to cool. Reserve the coconut oil.
- In a pot, combine rinsed glutinous rice, water, coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer while occasionally folding the rice to prevent burning.
- Continue cooking for about 50–60 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Line a shallow pan with banana leaf brushed with coconut oil and spread the cooked rice mixture evenly.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt for the syrup.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour the syrup evenly over the rice cake and spread across the surface.
- Cut the rice cake into squares and sprinkle the crunchy latik on top.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Stir the rice mixture occasionally to prevent sticking while cooking.
- Latik adds a crunchy texture and deep coconut flavor to the dessert.
- Banana leaves add aroma but parchment paper can be used as a substitute.
- Biko tastes best warm or at room temperature.
- Extra syrup can be added if you prefer a sweeter topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
